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Before we even head to the airport, we run through a pre-travel home checklist to make sure everything’s secure. Because nothing ruins a holiday faster than worrying about what’s happening back at home.
Over the years, we’ve developed a simple routine to protect our home before we travel. These travel home security tips are all about peace of mind, not paranoia, and making sure you return to things exactly as you left them.
It sounds basic, but it’s one of the easiest things to overlook, especially when you’re rushing to catch a flight.
Make sure all gates, windows, and doors are locked securely. That includes side gates, garage doors, and even upstairs windows if they’re accessible. If your locks are outdated or flimsy, it’s worth upgrading to deadbolts or smart locks for added peace of mind.
We do a full walkthrough the night before we leave, not in a rush on the morning of departure. And to help ease those “did I really lock the door?” thoughts that pop up mid-flight, I film myself checking that the front door is locked. I never even need to look at the video – just knowing I have it on my phone means I can relax and enjoy the trip.
It’s a simple habit, but it’s been one of the best ways to reinforce our home security while travelling.
Packages piling up at your front door are a dead giveaway that no one’s home.
Before you travel, pause or reschedule any regular deliveries, whether it’s meal kits, online orders, or subscription boxes. If that’s not possible, ask a trusted neighbour or friend to collect them for you.
We also stop making online purchases about two weeks before we leave, just to avoid anything arriving late and sitting unattended at the door. It’s one less thing to worry about in the final days before a trip, and it helps keep your home looking lived-in.
It’s a small habit that makes a big difference in your travel home security tips toolkit.
An overflowing letterbox is one of the oldest signs that a home is empty, and burglars know to look for it.
Before you go, arrange for your mail to be collected by a friend, neighbour, or family member. If that’s not possible, use your local postal service’s mail hold or redirection service.
We also have a “No Junk Mail” sign on our letterbox – a simple addition that reduces unwanted flyers and catalogues, especially while we’re away. And over the years, we’ve transitioned as much of our correspondence as possible from snail mail to email. Most bills, bank statements, and service updates now go straight to our inbox instead of our letterbox. It also means we don’t miss any bills while we’re away.
It’s not just more secure, it’s one less thing to think about when prepping for a trip.
Before you leave, make sure your home and contents insurance is up to date, including coverage for theft, fire, or storm damage while you’re away.
We once came home to a power outage that had tripped the safety switch on our chest freezer. It didn’t reset, and we returned to a freezer full of defrosted food, including meat, and yes, it smelled disgusting. Fortunately, we were able to take a few photos and claim the cost of both the food and the freezer through our insurance.
Take a few minutes to review your policy and make sure it covers the full value of what’s in your home. We also store a digital copy of our policy in the cloud (Google Drive or OneDrive) so we can access it from anywhere if needed.
If something does happen while you’re away, you’ll want those details handy, and knowing you’re covered can offer serious peace of mind while you travel.
An overgrown lawn or untended garden is another subtle clue that no one’s home.
If you’ll be away for more than a week or two, especially during summer when everything grows faster, ask a neighbour, friend, or your usual gardener to stop by and mow the lawn. Even a quick tidy-up helps your home look lived-in and well-maintained.
A tidy front yard doesn’t just boost curb appeal; it plays a quiet but important role in keeping your home secure while you’re away.
Before you leave, take a few minutes to walk around your yard and remove anything that could attract attention or assist a break-in.
Ladders, tools, outdoor furniture, kids’ toys – anything left out could be either stolen or used to gain access to upper windows or fences. Even something as simple as a wheelie bin placed near a fence could help someone climb over.
We also do a quick pooper scooper run before we head off – not because our dogs are staying home (they stay elsewhere), but because no one wants to come back to a messy yard. Plus, it’s just considerate if someone’s popping over to water the plants or check on things while we’re away.
We always do one last loop the day before we leave. It’s a simple part of our pre-travel home checklist that only takes five minutes, but it makes a big difference.
If you’re not taking it with you, secure it. That’s our rule of thumb when it comes to valuables.
We use a small, bolted-down safe for things like jewellery, spare cards, and important documents – it’s inexpensive but adds a strong layer of security. If you don’t have a safe, hide valuables in places that aren’t obvious. (Let’s just say the sock drawer is not a good hiding spot.)
And if you’re like me and tend to forget where you’ve hidden things, take a quick photo on your phone of the hiding spot. It saves you the stress of hunting through cupboards and drawers after you return. Trust me, we’ve done that before.
Avoid leaving anything valuable near windows or in plain sight. Even something as simple as a laptop bag on a table can be enough to tempt someone walking past.
These small steps can go a long way in helping prevent burglary while on holiday.
If you already have a home security system, make sure it’s switched on and ready to go before you leave. If it’s monitored, let the provider know your travel dates and give them the contact details of someone local in case of an emergency.
These days, you don’t need a fully monitored system to stay connected. Smart security products, like video doorbells, motion sensors, and Wi-Fi cameras, let you check in from your phone, wherever you are in the world.
We love being able to quickly scan our front door or living room from an app. It’s not about paranoia; it’s about peace of mind. And if anything does go wrong, you have a recording to support your insurance claim or notify the authorities.
Even a simple smart plug that controls lights on a schedule can make your home look lived in, a small but powerful deterrent for would-be burglars.
I’ve been involved with animal welfare for many years, and I can’t say this clearly enough: your dog is not a security system.
Leaving a pet at home alone while someone “pops in to feed them” isn’t just unfair – it’s dangerous. Some people believe a barking dog will scare off intruders, but the reality is that it can signal that you’re not home. And worse, a determined burglar may bait your dog or harm it to get inside.
We never leave our dogs home alone when we travel. They stay somewhere safe, where they are properly cared for, and we rely on proper home security to protect the house, not him.
If you’re unsure about what to do with your pets while you’re away, I’ve outlined some safe, ethical options here: 5 Pet Care Options When You’re on Holidays.
Use smart lighting on timers, have a friend collect your mail, and keep your garden tidy. Small touches like this help prevent your home from looking obviously empty.
Yes – even basic smart security systems can let you monitor your home remotely, receive alerts, and keep a visual record if anything goes wrong.
Leaving valuables in plain sight, forgetting to cancel deliveries, and assuming a barking dog is enough to deter a break-in.
Not constantly. Instead, use smart plugs or timers to switch lights on and off at realistic times. This helps simulate someone being home without wasting power.
Yes – oversharing while you’re on holiday can tip off the wrong people that your home is unoccupied. If you love sharing travel photos in real time, make sure your social media accounts are set to private so only trusted friends and family can see your posts. Or wait until you’re back to post your highlights.
Travelling is meant to be exciting, not anxiety-inducing.
And while it’s easy to get caught up in packing and planning, taking the time to secure your home properly can be the difference between a stress-free holiday and a nightmare return.
These are the steps we take every time we leave, and they’ve become second nature. Think of it as part of your travel prep – just like checking your passport or packing your bags.
Hi, I’m Lisa Bundesen - the voice behind The Middle Age Wanderer. I’m a retired chartered accountant turned passionate traveller and photographer. Alongside my husband Darren (and with our two fur babies waiting at home in Australia), we explore the world one adventure at a time.
I’ve travelled to over 35 countries, and I created this blog to inspire fellow travellers in their 50s, 60s, and beyond to embrace adventure. Whether it’s hiking ancient trails, diving into new cultures, or sipping wine in scenic places, I believe life after 50 is the perfect time to explore more.
Here, you’ll find honest travel advice, destination guides, and real stories to help you travel smarter and with more confidence - because age is not a barrier, it’s an invitation.
Hi, I’m Lisa, a 50+ retired chartered accountant. My husband, Darren, and I explore the world every opportunity we get. Staying fit is key to our adventures, from hiking the Inca Trail to scuba diving. We call Australia home but travel overseas often, always eager to discover new cultures, bustling cities, cuisines, nature and wildlife.
We would love you to join us on our journeys and hope that our adventures give you encouragement to explore this amazing world.
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